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"Brains on wheels": will.i.am unveils AI-powered autocycle designed for city commuters

will.i.am’s AI-powered ‘Trinity’ car aims to reinvent the daily commute
will.i.am’s AI-powered ‘Trinity’ car aims to reinvent the daily commute Copyright  Credit: AP Photo/Trinity
Copyright Credit: AP Photo/Trinity
By Theo Farrant
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The vehicle, designed for city commuters, can chat with drivers, assist with tasks, and turn travel time into productivity.

At Nvidia's annual AI tech conference in Silicon Valley, Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am unveiled his latest project - a futuristic three-wheeled vehicle which he describes as "brains on wheels."

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The project, called Trinity, is a single-passenger electric autocycle built with city life in mind. Compact, fast and packed with sensors, it’s designed for commuters navigating crowded streets.

"The target is for singular passenger commuters going zero to 60 [mph] in under two seconds. The vehicle doesn't have to go 120 miles an hour. Who's going 120 miles an hour in the street anyway? You just want to go quick through the city, zero to 60 through the city," will.i.am told AFP at Nvidia's conference.

Trinity, the three-wheeled electric autocycle powered by AI
Trinity, the three-wheeled electric autocycle powered by AI Credit: TRINITY

The vehicle is equipped with an AI agent capable of interacting with its surroundings through a network of 360-degree cameras and onboard systems. Its AI can detect other cars, bikes, pedestrians, traffic lights and signs - using this awareness to provide alerts and plan routes.

Drivers can, in theory, use the system to review documents, brainstorm ideas or manage tasks while on the move. "Say, for example, I'm home, going to work, and someone sent me a PDF or a draft. I could then add the draft into the dash, and I could have a conversation with the vehicle about that draft," said will.i.am.

Despite its high-tech features, Trinity is not self-driving. Human control remains central, with the AI focused instead on enhancing the in-car experience rather than replacing the driver altogether.

"The human drives this car. It's not self-driving yet. The infotainment system is what we're trying to reimagine," will.i.am explained.

The startup behind Trinity is targeting a price point below $30,000 (€26,000), aiming to make AI-enhanced transport a realistic option for everyday commuters rather than a luxury product.

Production is expected to begin in limited numbers, with plans to manufacture the vehicles in Los Angeles. The facility is also set to double as a hub for developing robotics and next-generation AI systems.

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